York Regional Police catch young people in several crane climbing incidents north of Toronto

York Regional police have issued a public warning regarding the dangers of trespassing in construction sites and the potential to be charged criminally after numerous people, primarily youths, have been charged in incidents of climbing construction cranes.

In a news release, the police service said it was called to a construction site on Yonge St. In Richmond Hill on May 22, and officers discovered six youths climbing down the ladder of a 12-storey crane.

About the same time, police found a separate group of six youths, which had scaled a crane at Leslie St. And 16 Ave.

Police called the youths’ parents and the young people were advised of the dangers and were charged under the Trespass to Property Act. The incidents are not believed to be connected.

Then, about a week later on May 27, police say they were called to a construction site in the area of Main and Lloyd St. in Whitchurch-Stouffville after two people were spotted on a 10-storey construction crane.

“As officers were gaining access to the site, one person climbed down and fled. As fire fighters were preparing to get the second person down from the crane, he climbed down himself without injury,” police said. “A 22-year-old man from the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville was charged criminally with mischief.”

Later, on June 11 shortly after 9 p.m., police attended the area of Yonge St. and Eagle St. in Newmarket for two people spotted at the top of a 13-storey construction crane. “Both male youths climbed down and were arrested by officers. Both of the 16-year-old youths were charged with Mischief and Enter Premise When Entry Prohibited under the Trespass to Property Act.”

“It is unclear what the motive is for this disturbing trend of illegal high-risk activity, however it not only places the climbers in extreme danger, it also places first responders in danger. York Regional Police does not take these incidents lightly and people engaging in this activity may find themselves facing criminal charges.”